HC Deb 13 February 1947 vol 433 cc83-4W
81. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the dates upon which consent was sought to construct the following power plant and power stations and the dates on which permission was granted: Meaford, Stoke-on-Trent, the Manchester extension, Hoddesdon, Poplar, Glasgow, Kepier and Usk River; who is the responsible authority for giving consent; and if he is satisfied that the machinery for consultation and decision functions with speed.

Mr. Shinwell

Since the answer is necessarily long and involves a large number of dates, I will, with my hon. Friend's consent, send him the information he asked for as soon as possible.

82. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the tonnage of coal exported in 1936 and 1946, respectively; the kilowatt consumption of electric power in 1936, 1945 and 1946, respectively; what is the amount of new plant in kilowatts on order for internal power production; what are the delivery dates; if the total capacity on order will meet the peak load and, if so, on what date; and if consideration has been given to the provision of mobile plant.

Mr. Shinwell

In 1936, 34,500,000 tons of coal were exported from the United Kingdom; in 1946, 4,454,000 tons, consisting, apart from supplies to bunker depots, of very low quality coal. The figures for the production of electricity by authorised undertakers are as follow, in millions of units: 1936–20,200; 1945–37,300; 1946–45,200. The new plant now on order for power stations in this country totals four million kilowatts output capacity. Of this, completion is expected of approximately 600,000 kw. in 1947, 900,000 kw. in 1948, and 1,300,000 kw. in 1949. As regards the date by which it is expected that the total generating capacity will be sufficient to meet the increase of electricity demand, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Glasgow, Pollock (Commander Galbraith) on 29th January. In reply to the last part of the Question, I can assure my hon. Friend that full consideration has been and is being given to the use of such mobile plant as is available.